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Background: Qualitative movement screening tools provide a practical method of assessing mechanical patterns associated with potential injury development. Biomechanics play a role in hamstring strain injury and are recommended as a consideration within injury screening and rehabilitation programs. However, no methods are available for the in-field assessment of sprint running mechanics associated with hamstring strain injuries. Purpose: To investigate the intra- and interrater reliability of a novel screening tool assessing in-field sprint running mechanics titled the Sprint Mechanics Assessment Score (S-MAS) and present normative S-MAS data to facilitate the interpretation of performance standards for future assessment uses. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Maximal sprint running trials (35 m) were recorded from 136 elite soccer players using a slow-motion camera. All videos were scored using the S-MAS by a single assessor. Videos from 36 players (18 men and 18 women) were rated by 2 independent assessors blinded to each other's results to establish interrater reliability. One assessor scored all videos in a randomized order 1 week later to establish intrarater reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) based on single measures using a 2-way mixed-effects model, with absolute agreement with 95% CI and kappa coefficients with percentage agreements, were used to assess the reliability of the overall score and individual score items, respectively. T-scores were calculated from the means and standard deviations of the male and female groups to present normative data values. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to assess between-sex differences and between-limb differences, respectively. Results: The S-MAS showed good intrarater (ICC, 0.828 [95% CI, 0.688-0.908]) and interrater (ICC, 0.799 [95% CI, 0.642-0.892]) reliability, with a standard error of measurement of 1 point. Kappa coefficien

Background Change of direction (COD) movements are associated with non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in multidirectional sports. Females appear at increased risk compared to males, which could be attributable to whole body kinematic strategies and greater multiplanar knee joint loads (KJLs) during COD which can increase ACL loading. Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine and quantitatively synthesise the evidence for differences between males and females regarding KJLs and their biomechanical determinants (whole body kinematic strategies determining KJLs) during COD tasks. Methods Databases including SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and PubMed were systematically searched (July 2021–June 2023) for studies that compared differences in knee joint loads and biomechanical determinants of KJLs during COD between males and females. Inclusion criteria were: (1) females and males with no prior history of ACL injury (18–40 years); (2) examined biomechanical determinants of KJLs and/ or KJLs during COD tasks > 20°; (3) compared ≥ 1 outcome measure between males and females. Studies published between 2000 and 2023 examining a cutting task > 20° with a preceding approach run that compared KJLs or the whole body multiplanar kinematics associated with them, between sexes, using three-dimensional motion analysis. Results This meta-analysis included 17 studies with a pooled sample size of 451 participants (227 males, 224 females). Meta-analysis revealed females displayed significantly less peak knee flexion during stance (SMD: 0.374, 95% CI 0.098–0.649, p = 0.008, I2: 0%); greater knee abduction at initial contact (IC) (SMD: 0.687, 95% CI 0.299–1.076, p = 0.001, I2: 55%); less hip internal rotation (SMD: 0.437, 95% CI 0.134–0.741, p = 0.005, I2: 34%) and hip abduction at IC (SMD: −0.454, 95% CI 0.151–0.758, p = 0.003, I2: 33%). No significant differences were observed between males and females for any internal or externally appl

Objective This study compared neuromuscular control under two fatigue protocols during anticipated and unanticipated change of direction (COD) maneuvers and evaluated their effects on the risk of non-contact ACL injuries. Method Forty-five female soccer players (mean age: 22.22 ± 2.24 years; mean height: 166.24 ± 3.33 cm; mean mass: 59.84 ± 5.03 kg) were divided into three groups: functional fatigue (Soccer specific fatigue ptotocol-SOFT90), non-functional fatigue (Bruce protocol), and control group. Before and after the implementation of neuromuscular control fatigue protocols were evaluated using the cutting motion assessment score tool (CMAS). Two-dimensional (2D) videos were recorded during anticipated and unanticipated COD trials for both dominant and non-dominant legs. Results Significant time effects (p < 0.05) and group-time interactions (p < 0.05) were observed in both anticipated and unanticipated conditions for both dominant and non-dominant legs after the fatigue protocols. The functional fatigue group exhibited higher CMAS changes, indicating poorer movement quality following fatigue. Notably, the non-dominant leg displayed amplified deficits during unanticipated COD maneuvers following the functional fatigue protocol. Conclusions Fatigue significantly impairs neuromuscular control, particularly in unanticipated COD situations, which increases the risk of non-contact ACL injuries. To mitigate this risk, coaches, trainers, and medical professionals should prioritize targeted training and injury prevention strategies, focusing on the non-dominant leg during unanticipated COD maneuvers.

To optimally master a motor task, an athlete must be experienced with all possible combinations of that task and environmental conditions under which it can be performed. Implicit learning methods, motivation, and optimisation of training design are crucial components to optimise performance of an agility task while minimising ACL injury risk. In this chapter, general principles of motor learning, implicit learning methods, motivational factors of skill learning, and training design will be discussed, finishing with a practical example.

Over the years, soccer has become more physically demanding; the number and frequency of high-intensity actions have increased, and these activities are decisive in determining the match outcome. Importantly, the reductionist approach commonly used to analyze high-intensity actions does not contemplate a more contextualized perspective on soccer performance. Traditionally, most investigations have only provided quantitative data regarding sprints (i. e. time, distances, frequency) without examining "how" (e. g. type of trajectory or starting position) and "why" (e. g. tactical role) soccer players sprint. In fact, other high-intensity actions, apart from running, are not even mentioned (i. e. curve sprints, change of direction, and specific-jump tasks). This has led to the use of tests and interventions that do not accurately reflect real game actions. Given the true technical-tactical-physical demands of each playing position, this narrative review collected a wide-spectrum of current soccer-related articles and provided a discussion regarding high-intensity actions, with a positional-based approach. In this narrative review, practitioners are encouraged to contemplate and consider the different elements that characterize high-intensity actions in soccer, in order to assess and train soccer players under a more sport-specific and integrative perspective.

Hamstring strain injuries are one of the most common injuries in sprint-based sports with the mechanism of injury considered the result of an interaction between applied mechanical strain and the capacity of the muscle to tolerate strain. To date, injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies have frequently focused on enhancing the capacity of the hamstrings to tolerate strain, with little consideration of factors directly influencing mechanical strain. Sprint running biomechanics are one factor proposed to influence the mechanical strain applied to the hamstrings that may be modified (towards reduced strain) within rehabilitation and injury prevention programs. This article aims to explore the theoretical mechanistic link between sprint running mechanics and hamstring strain injury, along with the available supporting evidence. In doing so, it hopes to provide practitioners with an understanding of mechanical parameters that may influence hamstring strain injury whilst also identifying areas for further research exploration.

Background: The cutting movement assessment score (CMAS) provides a qualitative assessment of the side-step cutting (S-SC) technique. Previous research has been undertaken primarily by biomechanists experienced with S-SC evaluations. Little is known about the agreement between various sports science and medicine practitioners to ascertain whether the tool can be used effectively by different practitioners in the field. Currently, the CMAS uses three camera views (CVS) to undertake the evaluation, and it would be worthwhile to know whether the CMAS can be effectively conducted with fewer camera views to improve clinical utility. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the inter-rater agreement between different sports science and medicine practitioners and agreement between using different CVS to evaluate the S-SC technique using the CMAS. Methods: Video data were collected from 12 male rugby union players performing a 45° S-SC manoeuvre toward both the left and right directions. Five different sports science and medicine practitioners evaluated footage from three cameras of one left and one right trial from each player using the CMAS. Twelve different trials were also evaluated by the sports rehabilitator using single and multiple CVS. Agreements (percentage; Kappa coefficients (K)) between different practitioners and configurations of the CVS were explored. Results: Good to excellent inter-rater agreements were found between all practitioners for total score (K = 0.63–0.84), with moderate to excellent inter-rater agreements observed across all items of the CMAS (K = 0.5–1.0). Excellent agreement was found between using three CVS vs. two CVS that included at least a sagittal view (K = 0.96–0.97). Lower agreement (K = 0.83) was found between angle-frontal views with three CVS. Conclusions: The CMAS can be used effectively by various practitioners to evaluate the movement quality of S-SC. The use of two CVS that include at least a sagittal plane view would suff

Background Eumenorrheic women experience cyclic variations in sex hormones attributed to the menstrual cycle (MC) which can impact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) properties, knee laxity, and neuromuscular function. This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of the MC on ACL neuromuscular and biomechanical injury risk surrogates during dynamic tasks, to establish whether a particular MC phase predisposes women to greater ACL injury risk. Methods PubMed, Medline, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched (May-July 2021) for studies that investigated the effects of the MC on ACL neuromuscular and biomechanical injury risk surrogates. Inclusion criteria were: 1) injury-free women (18–40 years); 2) verified MC phases via biochemical analysis and/or ovulation kits; 3) examined neuromuscular and/or biomechanical injury risk surrogates during dynamic tasks; 4) compared ≥1 outcome measure across ≥2 defined MC phases. Results Seven of 418 articles were included. Four studies reported no significant differences in ACL injury risk surrogates between MC phases. Two studies showed evidence the mid-luteal phase may predispose women to greater risk of non-contact ACL injury. Three studies reported knee laxity fluctuated across the MC; two of which demonstrated MC attributed changes in knee laxity were associated with changes in knee joint loading (KJL). Study quality (Modified Downs and Black Checklist score: 7–9) and quality of evidence were low to very low (Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation: very low). Conclusion It is inconclusive whether a particular MC phase predisposes women to greater non-contact ACL injury risk based on neuromuscular and biomechanical surrogates. Practitioners should be cautious manipulating their physical preparation, injury mitigation, and screening practises based on current evidence. Although variable (i.e., magnitude and direction), MC attributed changes in knee laxity were associated with changes in potent

To contest for medals in the final of major sporting championships, athletes must progress through preliminary rounds of competition, potentially requiring repeated maximal performances separated by minutes to hours. With the difference between medalling and non-medalling performance often <1%, ensuring athletes optimise recovery between bouts of competition to attenuate declines, maintain, or enhance performance is imperative. However, little evidence exists examining the use of recovery and training strategies to attenuate declines or enhance performance in multi-round competitions. Importantly, as this information has not been detailed in the literature, how athletes train for multi-round competition, what recovery strategies they use, and why, remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this project was to identify current practices and perspectives of high-performing coaches and practitioners when preparing athletes for multi-round competition that involves multiple performances within a day and/ or on consecutive days. Following institutional ethical approval, a survey was conducted with coaches and practitioners supporting athletes classified as ≥ tier 3 (McKay et al., 2022. IJSPP, 17, 317-331). Using an on-line platform (QualtricsXM, https://www.qualtrics.com/uk), participants were asked a series of questions regarding typical time-frames between rounds of competition, implementation of specific training and recovery strategies to enhance multi-round competition, sources of information, perceived efficacy, as well as gaps in knowledge. Respondents (n=36) were currently, or had previously, supported athletes competing at continental or global championships (97%), with the majority supporting athletes competing both within and on consecutive days (51%), within only (29%) or on consecutive days only (20%). Race/ event specific training (percent of respondents who utilise strategy/ percent of respondents who perceive the strategy to positively impact multi-round perf

The aims of this study were to establish whether directional dominance is displayed during change of direction (COD) tasks across various angles, to determine the angle-variation data for the asymmetry magnitude and direction, and to analyze the relationships in COD performance (completion time and COD deficit) across tasks. Twenty-four young (U-16 to U-20), highly trained male basketball players performed a 10-m linear sprint test and four 10-m COD tests (45°, 90°, 135°, and 180°) in left and right directions. Change of direction performance was determined via total times and COD deficit, and asymmetry comparisons were made between faster and slower directions and dominant leg (DL) (i.e., first step leg in lay-up) and nondominant leg (NDL). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between DL and NDL for any task excluding 45° COD (p < 0.05, effect size [ES] = 0.44-0.78), but significant differences were established between faster and slower sides for all angles (p < 0.05, ES = 0.70-1.28). Levels of the agreement in directional dominance during COD tasks were generally poor to slight (k = -0.14 to 0.14), excluding a fair agreement between COD45 and COD90 (k = 0.34). Correlations between COD total times and COD deficits between angles were moderate to very large (r = 0.32 to 0.81) and moderate to large (r = -0.30 to 0.55), respectively. Players displayed superior COD performance in a particular direction across various angles. This directional dominance is not necessarily consistent between angles, thus highlighting the angle-dependent nature of COD performance. Consequently, practitioners should investigate multiple angles and directions to create a COD angle profile for their athletes.